Shaun [Kona] Ross' latest
offering, Nihilore: The Mechanical Empire
is more or less a anthology of scraps and
pieces collected over the years and released
as a two level package. It works well and
thank goodness Kona decided to release this
murky industrial two-map nightmare using
a beefy mix of custom textures. Nihilore
is strictly human themed, with dogs backed
with improved Enforcer AI and four kinds
of Human Grunts - all with new skins. They
are totally awe-inspiring! What a great
submission for Quake original.
This is a well-designed mini-pack for Quake
Old School and most-likely Kona's best to
date. Sound placement is obvious, texture
choices are solid and the overall feel of
the two maps is one of both familiarity
and newness. The new enemies act well in
the setting and the glowing eyes is really
a nice touch. I managed to beat both levels
in under twenty minutes and found myself
wishing it might have been just a tad-bit
larger but beggars can't be choosers they
say! I had a blast testing and playing this
level.
The halls that make up these levels continually
twist and turn. There is a key-find challenge
in Nihilore and it's towards the end near
the main exit. The new enemies use a variety
of new weapons and have improved intelligence
and stronger hit points. Seeming a bit gloomy
in areas, enemies have a tendency to pop
up from out of thin air and unload a round
of slugs in your back from the shadows.
Nearing the later-end of Nihilore a total
bloodbath break out, it's inspirational
and not too demanding!
Nihilore: The Mechanical Empire will prove
to another great level from an already great
map-maker. Passing the standard test with
flying colors and no visual flaws. With
the lack of new Quake 1 talent, this download
is worth every second. Well-designed and
great game play! 9 of 10 suggested for anyone
who owns Quake! (2.50 mb)
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